I personally would just pull it off. to me that looks like over watering or leaf burn issue from too high of a dose of Fert. youre in the same zone as me Id remove the yellow portions and let the rain give it a good soaking tonight or tom.

Looks like a big plant for such a small container - would be real easy to over-water it. What variety is it?

Dave

Thank you for your help. I think it probably had been overwatered prior to purchase as the lower leaves were more yellow green while the top were very healthy looking (and still are). I have taken your advice Danielnc8 and removed the lower leaves. And Dave, I transplanted it to this pot from an even smaller pot but with the 5-1-1 mix. I plan on putting it in a much larger smart pot as soon as the night time temps remain above 50 here, 2 weeks if I can wait that long. In trying to harden it off and get it as much sun as possible our unusual 80+ temps might have been to much.
One last question, if watering is adjusted is it probable that the plant will be fine?
Thanks
Beth

p.s. does anyone know why the photo which was upright in the preview gets flipped to the side?